French Quarter Beignets

by Colleen Rooney

foodsandfestivitiesofthechristianyear.blogspot.com

Beignets are a tasty, fried yeast dough treat that are eaten during the Mardi Gras celebration but are delicious with a cup of café au lait or a cappuccino any time of the year!

YIELDS: 20

INGREDIENTS ¾ cup lukewarm water (105 – 115 degrees) 1 pkg. active dry yeast (or 2 ¼ tsp). 1/3 cup of sugar 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour Pinch of salt (about 1/16 tsp.) 1 large egg ½ cup evaporated milk 3 tbsp. melted butter 1 tsp. vanilla extract Oil for frying – Canola (or Vegetable) Confectionary Sugar

EQUIPMENT Large bowl or Kitchen Aid Mixer Microwave container or small pot Measuring cups Measuring spoons Whisk and small bowl Floured board or pastry sheet Frying or candy thermometer Biscuit cutter – 1 ½ or 2 inches round 4-quart pan or Dutch oven Paper Towels Paper Bags, a couple DIRECTIONS:

1. In a large bowl or Kitchen Aid Mixer combine lukewarm water and yeast. Let stand for five minutes until dissolved.

2. In a small bowl, lightly whisk egg, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, salt, and sugar. Add to yeast mixture.

3. Measure out two cups of flour and mix by hand or in standard mixer until incorporated. About 2 minutes for standard mixer.

4. Melt butter in microwave container or in pan on stove. Add to dough and mix until dough is sticky but smooth. Add additional flour to make a soft dough. May save some for flouring board.

5. Turn dough onto lightly floured board or pastry sheet and knead, 1 – 2 minutes. Lightly grease bowl. Return dough to greased bowl, turning once to coat it.

6. Cover bowl and let dough rise in a warm, draft free place for two hours or until double in size.

7. Punch the dough down and remove from bowl.

8. Roll dough out on lightly floured surface to ¼ inch thickness. Then cut dough in round 2-inch shape. Let dough rest for 10 minutes before frying.

9. Add oil to pan about 2-inches in depth. Heat to 350 degrees F. Working in batches of four and five depending on the size of your pan. Fry the beignets two to three minutes until they are golden brown on both sides. Remove carefully and place on paper towels.

10. Place two cups of confectionary sugar in a paper bag and add warm beignets. Shake gently to coat beignets completely. Remove from bag and enjoy with a cup of your favorite hot drink!